Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1887-10-08

each INV ~ was hCnued 10 the queens 70 sign,
whereon the trumpets blared out and tho
queens guard grounded their spears with a
crash In salute. This reading and signing Of
tho laws took long time, but at last II came
70 an end, tho last ono recitirg that Awhorens
certain distinguished strangers, etc, y and pro-
cecding TO coufer on tho three OF MS the rank
OF lords" together with certain military
commands and large estates bestowed by tho
queens. When Ii was read the trumpets
blared and the speass clashed down as usual;
but saw some of the lords turn and whisper
10 each other, while Nasta ground his teeth
They did not like tho favor that was shown
to us, which, undor all the circumstances,
was not perhaps unnatural.
Then there came pause, and Nosta stepped
forward, and bowling humbly, though with
no humility in his eye, craved a boon at tho
hands of the Queen Nyleptha
Nyleptha turned little pale, but bowed
graciously, and prayed the swell beloved
lord" TO speak on, whereon in few straight
forward, soldier like words he asked her hand
In marriage.
Then, before she could find words to nm
swer, tho High Priest Agon took up the tale,
ana IN speech OF real eloquence and power
pointed out tho many advantages Of the pro-
posed alliaDco-how 1t would consolidate the
kingdom; for Nasta's donlinions, Of which no
was virtually king, were to zu-vends much
what Scotland used TO be to England; how It
would crafty the wild mountaineers and be
popular among the aoldiery, for Nasta was
famous general how II would set her dynasty
firmly on tho throne, and would gain tho
blessing and approval Of the "Sun, 1. e., of
the Office OF high priest, and so on. Many OF
his arguments were undoubtedly valid; and
there was, looking ut it from political point
OF view, everything to DO said for the mar
riage. But, unfortunately, it is difficult TO
play tho game Of politics with the persons Of
young and lovely queens as though they were
ivory efllgics OF themselves on a chess board.
Nyiepthas face, while Agon spouted away,
was perfect study; she smiled, indeed, but
beneath the smile 1t set like stone, and her
eyes began TO fash ominously.
At last he stopped. and she prepared herself
to answer. before she did so, however, Sorais
leaned toward her and said, In a voice sn4-
GENTLY loud for me to catch what she said,
"Bethink thee well, my sister, ere thou dost
speak, for methinls that our thrones may
hang upon thy words.D
Nyleptha made no answer, and with
shrug and smile, 6orais leened back again
and listened.
"Of truth great honor has been done to
mo-" she said, that my poor hand should not
only have been asked in marriage, but that
Agon here should DO 50 swift TO pronounce
the blessing OF the Sun upon my union. Me-
thinks that In another minute no would have
wed us fast ero the bride had said her say.
Nasta, l thank thee, and viii bsthink me OF
thy words, but now as yet I have no mind for
marriage; that Is cup OF which none knoU
the taste until they begin TO drink it. Again
| thank thee, Nasta." and she made as though
she would rise.
The great lords face turned almost cd
black as his beard with fury, for he linew
that the words amounted to final refusal If
his suit.
Thanks be to the queen for her gracious
words" he said, restraining himself with diff
fculty and looking anything but grateful,
my heart shall surely treasure them. And
now crave another boon, namely, the royal
leave to withdraw myself TO my own poor
cities In the north until such time as tho
queen shall say my suit nay OF yea. May
hap" he added, with sneer, @ths queen viii
be pleased to visit me there, and to bring
with her these stranger lords and he
scowled darkly toward Us ut is but poor
country and rough, but we are a hardy
race OF niountaineers, and there shall be
gathered $4,000 swordsrnen to shout well
como to her,"
This speech, which was almost declara-
ton OF rebellion. was received in complete
silence, but Nyleptha flushed up and an.
swered it with spirit. ..a 80
ooh, surely, Nasta, I will come, and the
strange lords in my train, and for every man
OF thy morntaineers who calls thee prince will
bring two from the lowlands who call me
queen, and we will see which is the stanchest
breed. Till then farewelln n
The trumpets blared out, the queens rose.
sad tho great assembly broke up in murinur-
ing confusion, and for myself went home
with a heavy heart, foreseeing civil war.
After this there was quiet for q few weeks
Curtis and the queen did not often meet, and
exercised tho utmost caution not to allow the
true relation in which they stood to each
other to leak out; but, do what they would,
rumors as hard to trace as buzzing fly in a
dark room, and yet quite as audible, began to
hum round and round, and ct last to settle on
her throne :.